Nikon Coolpix A versus rival model with similar score

Further readings for the Nikon Coolpix A

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Given the physically small size and high pixel density we were mightily impressed by the 1-inch type sensor in the original RX100 and the follow up, the RX100 II. So how does the new RX100 III compare? Read on to find out.

Sony has launched a new model in its RX range of high-end compacts. Boasting a new faster lens, built-in pop-up viewfinder and large 1”-type sensor, with a 20.1Mp resolution, is the new Sony RX100 III the ultimate point and shoot camera?

Street photography is an appealing genre for many photographers, and has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the proliferation of small high quality digital cameras and lenses. We’ve put together a concise round up of moderate wide-angle and telephoto lenses from each of the major camera systems. Read on to see which of the models we’ve chosen and what to expect from them in terms of image quality.

As the equivalent field of view to a 35mm f2.0, this high-speed, compact “pancake’ type lens is an appealing option for the EOS M system user. Read on to find out how well this prime performs in our labs.

Following on from the enormous success of the OMD- E-M5, the firm has now upgraded its flagship PEN E-P model with a ‘5-axis’ stabilized 16-MPix MOS sensor. Read on to find out how well it performs in our labs.

Sony’s update to the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 includes provision for a optional EVF and a useful pull-out rear LCD, but the head line news is the inclusion of a newly developed back-illuminated Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor with superior low-light performance. Read on to see how well the new sensor performs in our labs.

On fixed-lens compacts like the Coolpix A, the lens is right at the heart of the imaging system, and ultimately just as important as the sensor and processor in determining the image quality. Fortunately the Nikkor 18.5mm 1:2.8 is really rather good: its only flaw is relatively strong vignetting that persists on stopping down. However the Ricoh GR's lens is just as good, while exhibiting less vignetting.

After analyzing the lens performance of the Nikon Coolpix A, we’ve now turned our attention to that camera’s direct competitor, the Ricoh GR. Read on to see how well the GR lens stacks up against the rival Nikkor.

The Coolpix A represents a welcome expansion by Nikon into photographer-targeted niches that had previously been rather under-served. With it the company has brought its mass-market expertise to make a camera that offers the same simplified interface and pleasant JPEGs that underpin its popular entry-level DSLRs. Both these things help make it an attractive second camera for DSLR users, especially those who shoot Nikon.

The $348 Sony E 20mm f/2.8 is a wide-angle prime for the Sony NEX range of hybrid still cameras and Interchangeable Lens camcorders. Its equivalent 30mm wide-angle focal length is ideal for interiors, landscapes or street photography, and a f/2.8 aperture is great in low-light. Just 20.4mm deep and weighing 69g it’s compact for travelling light, but how will it perform?

Released in April 2013, the Ricoh GR goes by the tagline of “Everything is big, except the size”. It points clearly to the raison d’être of this camera – to be a compact model with a large sensor with the aim of offering DSLR-like performance without the size and weight associated with them. As with several models in this niche, it seems to hark back to days gone by with a retro style. While this impacts the versatility of the camera, it’s much easier to make a high quality prime lens that can extract the most from the large, 16megapixel APS-C sensor tucked away inside. Within this sector we’ve seen some very good cameras through the labs in recent months, so the GR has got stiff competition.

It seems that every passing month brings a new compact camera to the market, featuring a large sensor and the promise of higher image quality than its peers. However, while the sensor is often the star of the show, the lens is just as important and can make or break the performance of the camera. The Nikon Coolpix A is one of this new breed of large sensor compact cameras, and just a few years ago it would have seemed a most unlikely proposition. However, as technology has improved, costs have come down and it is now possible to fit large sensors in small cameras at a reasonable cost, but this does mean the lenses have to improve in tandem or they risk damaging the great work done by the sensor engineers.

Launched in March 2013 the $1097 Coolpix A is Nikon’s first compact camera with an APC-S sensor and features the same 16.2-megapixel DX sensor from Nikon’s D7000 DSLR but with its optical low-pass filter removed. Utilizing a fixed NIKKOR 18.5mm f/2.8 prime lens (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm terms) the Nikon Coolpix A has the right ingredients for great image quality so let’s see how it performs.

Launched in September 2012 the Fujifilm XF1 is a fixed lens compact aimed at advanced enthusiasts after a pocket-sized second camera for holidays and photo day trips. Featuring customizable function buttons, creative exposure modes and a manual barrel zoom lens with a 25-100mm equivalent focal length, there’s plenty of control for serious photographers to sink their teeth into. What’s more with a 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR-CMOS Sensor at its heart we’re optimistic the $499 Fujifilm XF1 will deliver on picture quality, too.

Launched at the Focus on Imaging UK photographic show on 4th March 2013 the strap line “The palm sized maestro” introduces the new flagship Nikon compact - the Coolpix A. The first Coolpix camera to feature a large APS-C sensor the Coolpix A boasts a 16.2-megapixel resolution together with a fixed NIKKOR 18.5mm f/2.8 lens - equivalent to 28mm in 35mm terms. According to Nikon the Coolpix A has been developed in response to the demands of street photographers looking for a light, portable camera with great image quality. With a $1099.95 list price it could be quite a niche market however so let’s see what the Coolpix A promises.

Comments

X100S ***Member Request***

C'mon

At this point there's good support for X-Trans in Lightroom and Capture One. Zeiss considers the XF platform important enough to make lenses for. How much longer are you going to avoid allocating the resources? The X-E1 is a hit, you need to support it. The X-E1 is 14th on the Amazon best sellers, ahead of cameras like the Sony NEX-7 and the Olympus OM-D.

Apples to apples...

Nikon A vs Fuji x100 and not S

Yes at this point the A is second in this class, yet you have not reviewed the any X-Trans censor camera's to date. I am hoping this will change in the near future. What is holding DXO up in this matter?

First replies for this comment

Re: Nikon A vs Fuji x100 and not S

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in DxOMark.

As you probably know, the Fuji X-Pro 1 does not use a Bayer matrix but a “X-Trans” matrix. We will try to test this sensor, but although we try to respond to your requests to provide tests for specific camera models, there are no plans for doing it in the short term.